Microbes have prominent roles related to climate change. They produce and consume the three dominant gases that are responsible for 98% of the increased warming: carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O). As the microbe population grows, it will release more carbon dioxide into the water. The oceans will thus be able to absorb less carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. As a result, the carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere will climb, warming the planet. Soil microbes such as growth-promoting bacteria and fungi have proven to sequester carbon into the soil. Through this process, microbes are able to reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide and therefore can be utilized to tackle the issue of climate change.

Luckily for us, the carbon balance of photosynthesizing microalgae and cyanobacteria is negative. They ingest far more CO2 than what they respire.

Dear Gabor Z. Szelenyi thanks you for your contribution to the discussion